Too little ACTH can cause the adrenal glands to make too little glucocorticoids and androgens. Having pituitary tumors that aren't cancer, inflammation and pituitary surgery can cause the pituitary gland to make too little ACTH.

ACTH in turn causes the adrenal cortex to make its hormones. The pituitary gland makes a hormone called adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Other causes of adrenal gland failure may include: People with Addison's disease are more likely than are other people to have another autoimmune disease as well. This is usually the result of an autoimmune disease, in which the body attacks itself. Then it can't make enough hormones, a condition called primary adrenal insufficiency. Sometimes, the outer layer of the adrenal glands, known as the cortex, is damaged. And they affect muscle mass, sex drive, known as libido, and a sense of well-being in all people. In all people, the adrenal glands make small amounts of these sex hormones. These hormones, including aldosterone, balance the body's sodium and potassium to keep blood pressure in a healthy range. They also play a role in the immune system's inflammatory response and help the body respond to stress. These hormones, including cortisol, affect the body's ability to turn food into energy. The outer layer, called the cortex, makes a group of hormones called corticosteroids. The interior, called the medulla, makes adrenaline-like hormones. The adrenal glands are made up of two sections. Damage to these glands results in too little of the hormone cortisol and, often, the hormone aldosterone. As part of the endocrine system, they make hormones that affect almost every organ and tissue in the body. The adrenal glands sit just above the kidneys. Although small, these glands control much of what happens in the body.Īddison's disease is caused by damage to the adrenal glands. Located on top of each kidney, the adrenal glands make hormones that help regulate metabolism, the immune system, blood pressure and other important functions.

Weight loss that doesn't happen on purpose.

Extreme loss of body water, also known as dehydration.

See a health care provider if you have common symptoms of Addison's disease, such as:

Severe abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea, leading to dehydration.

Seek emergency treatment for the following: Acute adrenal failure can lead to life-threatening shock. Sometimes the symptoms of Addison's disease appear suddenly.

Body hair loss or sexual issues in some peopleĪcute adrenal failure, known as addisonian crisis.

Low blood sugar, also called hypoglycemia.

Then a stress, such as illness or injury, makes symptoms worse.

The disease can move so slowly that people who have it may ignore the symptoms at first. Addison's disease symptoms usually happen slowly, often over months.

Adrenal glands hormones